In today*s world of the Internet, DVDs, music videos, and television that continually “pushes the envelope,” its discouraging to me how few conversations are about the latest book someone read. I especially hope youth do not miss out on the simple pleasure of just reading a good story. Of course, there are many trashy and titillating books that reflect the sensational and reality type of genre found throughout the media that are definitely NOT worth the trees that were sacrificed to print up such drivel.
Over the years, I have discovered that there are scores of novels that can inspire and teach while being very entertaining. I particularly like books by Christian writers and especially books with stories written n the context of American historical events and sometimes involving historical figures. These being the summer months, I thought I’d share with you some of the Christian writers I’ve been drawn through the past few years as I’ve been able to enjoy many dozens of novels. I’ve been surprised to find all of them available at my public library (the best entertainment bargain these days!) – at least for those of us here in Orange County, Florida, and I’m sure you’ll not be familiar with most of them.
I. Authors that present not just Scriptural truths, but even present the gospel itself:
Gilbert Morris – He is a former pastor and Bible college teacher who over just several decades has written over 200 novels! (That’s about one novel every other month!) I particularly like his Liberty Bell series that cover the period of the American Revolution. Also, his more extensive House of Winslow series contains dozens of books from the pre-Revolution years through World War II. One of his latest series is the Winslow Breed Series that looks at the period of English history and the persecution of Christians during the English Tudor period. Volume one, Honor in the Dust, describes the efforts of William Tyndale to translate the Bible so common people could read it. I’ve easily read several dozen of Mr. Morris’ historical novels and can’t remember one that does not weave the Scripture into the story, and will sometimes so grab your emotions so that you find yourself tearful as you turn a page. And, if you like romance, there is always one if not several of them woven into the stories. The series I was most amazed by is the Singing River series (book #1, The Homeplace)about a family in Arkansas’s adventures during the Great Depression. I lost count of the number of Biblical lessons that are presented in each of the four volumes. Mr. Morris has also written several Christian adventure books for teens. The man is an incredible Christian storyteller; I don’t believe you can be disappointed no matter which of his vast writings you choose to check out.
Jack Cavanaugh – He wrote 8 novels spanning American history from the Puritans to the Vietnam War. The Puritans and The Colonists both won high acclaim. Of The Puritans (which I thought was the best and which won an award), one reviewer said, *… While it may be Christian historical fiction, please don't think that plot and character have been sacrificed. In fact, Cavanaugh does a superb job of creating characters we really care about, and the plot is anything but predictable. Plus, all this is happening in front of a historically accurate setting. Well worth your time to check out the first volume especially.
Mark Mynheir – This author is a Christian police officer in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (The action often focuses in the Central Florida area) and his Truth Chasers series all contain some kind of Biblical redemptive theme. Fast moving police crime adventures that are hard to put down. His first volume is entitled Rolling Thunder is a tremendous story of God’s incredible grace and forgiveness.
Jerry Jenkins – Yes, I know, he’s the one who co-authored the Left Behind series of novels. But he’s also written some on his own. (He has one involving footbal and one on baseball and a new one that's a crime drama. The one I particularly want to refer you to is entitled Riven. It’s a fast paced modern day story of Christian redemption with an unexpected climax that takes your breath away. If they ever come up with a screen play and make a movie based on this book, WOW! Please take the time to check out this particular novel. Unbelievable! (No, it has nothing to do with end times prophecy.)
II. Authors whose stories have Christian characters but focus more on page-turning, action packed stories:
Joel Rosenberg – The best writer of Christian fiction centering on the problems of contemporary Middle East. His Last Jihad series was eerily incredible as I think each novel dealt with scenarios that actually took place shortly after the book was published. His latest book, The Twelfth Imam deals with the explosive events in modern day Iran. Each book is like reading the latest action movie – almost impossible to put down once you start. Unfortunately these are not stories heavy with Christian themes but they are there.
Jeff Nesbit – I just finished reading LAST NIGHT the first of his trilogy dealing with events in the Middle East. It’s entitled Peace,though you don’t have a moment of it in reading it. It has 68 chapters! and so you know it’s fast paced. The following is from the cover: “Israel has just decided to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. What happens next takes the world to the edge.” Wow, if this were a movie, you’d really be sitting at the edge of your seat from the start. It’s scary to think this scenario could play out today. Hint: World War III?
Tim Downs – He formerly wrote the syndicated comic strip Downstown but has since written 8 novels. The best has to be The Plague Maker, the best Christian Booksellers Associaition mystery/suspense novel of 2006. Just an incredible book on the theme of forgiveness woven in a page turning thriller. Of his novels, this one is a definite standout. All his characters are flawed and his writings are filled with dialogue of sharp wit and sarcasm (though nothing nasty).
[In two weeks, I hope to post some of my recent favorite non-fiction, as well as the FEW new movies I've seen on DVD, again, all found at the public library! I hope you visit yours regularly.]
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